We wore our hats. Excuse the first blurry pic, our photographer friend was embarrassed by our antics. hahahaha.

And here's why: no picture taking was allowed.

But I couldn't resist the hats, they were just too cute. And Ann couldn't resist not holding sign. hahahahaha

Hats are Binibini by Janice.

(So now Ann started to get embarrassed...I still was too taken with our hats)

To Ms Janice of Binibini (tagalog for Miss): I am so sorry for taking photos wearing your hats even if clearly it was not allowed. They were just too cute to resist. You make such beautiful hats. And I love that they are affordable. Hoping to visit your shop very soon. **sheepish smile**

It's the time of the year when Cebu showcases own products all of them awesome! From food to furniture and trinkets in between you wouldn't know where to start...

Yesterday I took the whole household for some shopping at CICC (Cebu International Convention Center) at the North Reclamation Area.

The place was jammed pack!

It can be seen that there are more exhibitors this year. Dancers and performers in their colorful costumes. Beautiful muses! The place was just buzzing!

We were happy campers. Let me share some of our loot:

You know the kids and their love for head pieces... Little kiddo got this really big pink bow with feathers. I saw some really pretty hats. I mean, really really pretty. Yes, I just might go back there, exhibit is until August 15, this Monday...

Cute colorful wooden watch (P150), very affordable really.

Can you say disco?

Swiped these really cool bracelets, there were several other colors, I got the green and brown.

Very stylish indeed. Reminds me so much of my mom's old crystal choker...

These will definitely go with just about anything for work and play. For coffeeshop visits. hahaha. Yep, I got my share of stares last night at Starbucks (ehem, the bracelets did actually)

I'm thinking of the leather ones I didnt buy yesterday. Hmmm...I believe I'm going there in a bit...

You can still beat me up to it though...hahahaha.

Bye y'all! I am going back!

Governor's dinner at Cebu International Convention Center!

The athletes and guests of the XTERRA Philippines Championship were treated to a night of sumptuous carbo-loaded dinner amidst award winning performances of Cebu's best dance troupes! I always love it when the governor does dinner. Subtle, simple yet with great impact!

Both to the stomach and soul! Seriously!

As one delegate whispered:"Wow, is it always like this? I have not seen anything like before."

Big guns, Tata and Ann!

Whoa!!! Im wondering how this photo turned out! hahahaha! Noy, I hope you have photoshop on your pc! hahahaha

XTERRA managing director Dave Nicholas, Senator Pia Cayetano, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Alaska president Wilfred Uytensu, Liloan mayor Duke Frasco and First Lady Christine Frasco.

Marmie, photographer, Ann and Tata, organizing committee

Ok, ok, with a full stomach, soul on high, Titay's gift pack on one hand...I just had to do this:

In a previous entry I showed you a white necklace. I did take some photos of the bags in the same manufacturer but my pics came out crappy they wouldn't have given any justice to them bags.
But first let me show you what my little girl was doing while I was taking pics of the bags...



She plopped herself on this big comfortable chair near the booth.
We were stuffed. We ate ate ate loads before going up to the accessories exhibit. This one is a Japanese pancake. Made of batter consisting of cabbage, chunks of squid, milk and flour. Fish flakes as garnishings with dash of mayo dressing...it was delicious! I'm not so sure about the kcal count though, considering...hehehe. But the flavor is guaranteed!!!



Back to the bags of Juren Handicrafts...


This green creation particularly caught my fancy. I love green somehow. It's unique. It's not everyday you see people carrying green bags...


And this is so girly-girl! Asked Ava and Alyssa if they wanted one but they said it was too big. It was indeed too big for little girls. hehehe...I just love the shells formed into flowers. Comes in blue, orange and red.


Now I fell in love with this. I didn't buy it though. hehehe. But it's so classy. I can use with slacks or a pair or jeans.

Accessories, furnitures and other Cebu products are on exhibit (and sold) at the Cebu International Convention Center at Mandaue City. You can still catch them until August 16, Monday!!!



And yep, ARMSCOR is there.
Fashion and guns.
hehehe

Call time 6am. That's my red shoe. The comfiest red ever. The PSG asked me to take a shot before he tags my camera green as security checked. The enthusiastic blogger in me (politely) asked him if we could move over to the photowall that way I could use that one shot for the wall and my shoes. He was confused what's with my shoes.?.hahahahaha!

My excitement had been building up since morning. It would be my first time to photograph the president of this country. And we had just been informed that I was going to be a part of the "close-in". I really thought I heard 'closing'. That kinda disappointed me. Why closing? Only when she comes out? hehehe.

"Close-in"!!! Time to get acquainted with the Malacanang lingos.
It's when someone, in my case a photographer, is a part of a very very small group (we were only 5, the 2 being Malacanang photographers) allowed to get as CLOSE AS YOU DARE to take a photo of the president of the Philippines before the PSG pulls you away by your blouse, and you actually trying to get free from his grip while sweetly smilling and going back as CLOSE AS YOU DARE until he pulls you back away again. hahahaha!
What a crazy frenzy cool awesomeness it was!!!
Try manuevering in a 2-meter area with delicate displays just to get a good shot.
Try counting the aching bumps on your head after you realized you've just bumped into everyone else's cameras the past 2 hours.
Try running backwards ahead of the President and suddenly running back forward i split second to the President when a fantastic photo op suddenly presents itself in front of you.
Try getting first in line when the PSG suddenly calls "Photographers photographers Madam needs a picture!"
What do you do when you're trapped in between 2 massive lenses hovering over your shoulders?
YOU GET INTO THE FRENZY!!!
You crouch your lowest.
You tiptoe your fullest.
Just to get the money shot.

In my case, Im not fond of taking just any shot. I almost always usually compose. Even in a frenzy such as that. I dont do quickies. I wait for the moment.
Even with the small camera Ive always done that.
I shoot from the heart.
With much passion.
A photo op is not just a photo op for me.
It is a moment in the subject's life that I find most beautiful and want to capture it in print forever for them to cherish.
I want them to be happy when they see their beautiful moments.

(FYI my camera is the simplest. And I use the kit lens which is not much of zoom or speed hero. So you can tell how very close I was to the President.)

**PSG -- Presidential Security Guard